ALLENDALE -- Despite offers to play Division I football, Allendale's Hersey Jackson only thought about playing football at neighboring Division II national power Grand Valley State University.

It wasn't until he ruptured an Achilles tendon last fall -- and spent the last four months in rehabilitation, during which Division I schools backed off -- that the Allendale senior spoke about going there.

Today, he verbally committed to play for the Lakers.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound tailback -- a two-time member of The Grand Rapids Press All-Area Dream Team and a Division 5/6 first-team all-stater as a junior -- plans to sign a letter of intent Feb. 4.

"It is a really nice school, they have a really nice program, and I have been thinking about it since my freshman year," Jackson said. "I just never brought it up, I was always trying to go Division I. Yeah, I am really excited to go there. I am happy about it."

Jackson is among at least 20 players who are expected to sign with the Lakers, and arguably one of their top recruits.

Prior to the Achilles injury, which occurred after Week 2 of the football season, Ball State, Toledo, and Western Michigan had made offers. Michigan State, Iowa and Cincinnati also had shown interest before the injury.

No one from Grand Valley State can comment on a recruit until after the commitment is signed.

"I am so ecstatic, I am extremely happy about this," Allendale coach Ben Burk said. "We were scared for awhile there because of the injury. Now we know that he can continue to play, and I get to watch him play as often as possible."

A starter as a freshman, Jackson rushed for more than 1,700 yards as a sophomore and 1,900 yards as a junior with 15 touchdowns, and was ranked 123rd in the nation at his position by Scout.com.

He is the second Allendale player to commit to Grand Valley State. Andrew Longo, a 6-2, 175-pound wide receiver, also is planning to sign with the Lakers.

"These are my kids who are going there," Burk said. "Grand Valley will take care of them, and they are not only going to be student-athletes, but they will be students as well."

The even better -- and seemingly improbable -- news is Jackson is a month ahead of early projections for his rehab. He could return to the track this spring and defend his Division 3 100-meter dash state championship.